South Asian men are increasingly facing silent battles with their mental health, often shaped by deep-rooted cultural and societal expectations.
From a young age, many are taught to be providers, problem-solvers, and emotional anchors; roles reinforced by patriarchal norms that equate vulnerability with weakness.
As a result, conversations about emotional wellbeing are often suppressed, leaving men to internalise stress, shame, and loneliness. Rethinking men’s mental health within the South Asian context means challenging these long-standing ideals and creating spaces where emotional openness is seen as strength, not failure.
“Shame is a powerful barrier to South Asian men seeking help”
Dr Subodh Dave, Dean at The Royal College of Psychiatrists, explained that traditional South Asian expectations around masculinity, such as being the primary earner or appearing emotionally strong, significantly influence men’s willingness to seek mental health support. “Cultural factors always shape health-seeking behaviour,” he said. “In many families, women make about 80% of health decisions, including when to seek medical help. Men, on the other hand, are often conditioned from a young age to see themselves as providers, which makes it harder for them to acknowledge vulnerability or seek help.”
Drawing on his experience in Derby, a multi-ethnic city, Dr Dave said these pressures are especially difficult for men struggling with sexuality. “I’ve met men pressured into marriage despite being homosexual, forced to hide their identity for years. By the time they seek help, they’re often in severe distress,” he said. “While South Asian communities value interdependence, the deep sense of shame can be a major barrier to seeking mental health support.”
Dr Subodh Dave emphasised the need for families and communities to challenge patriarchal norms that equate male vulnerability with weakness. “Cultural stereotypes about men’s and women’s roles persist, and while progress is being made, gender equality remains a global struggle, especially within South Asian communities shaped by deep-rooted traditions,” he said.
He added that men are more prone to conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and addiction, yet awareness remains low. “Early intervention is vital, as most mental illnesses begin before age 24 and are treatable,” Dr Dave noted. “Too often, families dismiss early warning signs, keeping struggles hidden. Knowledge and awareness are key, asking the right questions early can make all the difference.”
Dr Dave said cultural representation in therapy is vital. “Most therapists in the UK are white, making it harder for South Asian men to find culturally sensitive support that understands issues like shame or family expectations,” he explained.
He noted that therapy’s focus on individual autonomy can clash with South Asian communities’ collective values. “Understanding how culture shapes emotions and identity is essential,” he said, adding that better representation and community outreach through faith centres and trusted leaders can help build trust and guide people toward professional help.
Chartered Clinical Psychologist and EMDR Practitioner Dr Gurpreet Kaur said, “I see many South Asian men shaped by childhoods of high expectations, strict discipline, and low emotional nurturing. Traditional roles tied success to education and finances, leaving many high-achieving men feeling empty and unsure how to manage their emotions. Shame-driven self-narratives and fears about ‘what others will say’ make it hard to seek help, so emotional avoidance becomes the default, until the pressure becomes unbearable.”
She added, “There are few spaces for South Asian men to talk about emotions. While initiatives like Andy’s Man Club exist, they aren’t culturally tailored. Many still lack awareness or openness about mental health, and shifting gender roles have left some men feeling emasculated or criticised. But it isn’t hopeless, working with a qualified therapist can offer confidentiality and effective, evidence-based support.”
